Rising indie-pop artist Clara Pople is back with her highly anticipated new single, âHot Moonâ.
âLayering her vocals to create striking effects, she blends soulful aspects with some crystalline synth-pop moments.â – Clash
âa true avant-pop artist who wonât be bound by genreâ – When The Horn Blows
âdark basslines, rhythmic beatboxing beats, and dreamy harmoniesâ – EARMILK
Following this yearâs enigmatic singles ‘Wednesdayâ and âPoisonâ, this latest track fuses atmospheric production with Claraâs signature live-looped vocals, creating an ethereal soundscape that reflects the chaotic energy of a full moon. Born from her deep connection to nature and the rhythmic cycles of life, âHot Moonâ captures the unsettling feeling of lunar influence through an unconventional time signature and stripped-back yet powerful production.This release highlights her evolving sound – bold yet nuanced, mainstream yet distinctive – with influences from trip-hop, soul, and electro-pop.
Speaking about the profound meaning behind âHot Moonâ, Clara Pople shares: âThis is my empowerment anthem for all women and people who can feel overpowered by the forces of nature. Hot Moon is a song about the ebbing and flowing tides of being a woman. How nature can control our mood and how, whilst infuriating, we just have to give in sometimes and let the madness take over.”
Reflecting on her experience as a woman in music, Clara credits her upbringing in a family of strong matriarchs and her education at an all-girls school for instilling a sense of resilience. Surrounded by inspiring women, both personally and within the pop industry, she remains confident and empowered in navigating the often challenging landscape of the music world.
Clara Popleâs creative journey doesnât stop with her own music. Sheâs making waves (literally) with her Boat Gigs. After moving onto a boat, Clara envisioned turning the intimate and airy space into a venue, and what began as a personal experiment has blossomed into a vibrant monthly event. The gigs, which feature a curated lineup of three emerging artists, have become a lifeline for musicians looking to play in a supportive environment without the usual pressures of self-promotion.
She explains: âHosting gigs on the boat just felt natural. I needed a venue where I could headline, so I thought, why not create my own show every month and build a community around it? Itâs been incredible seeing how these gigs are helping other emerging artists as well. Theyâre the OG form of what a gig should beâbuilt-in crowd, guaranteed pay, and a chance to connect with like-minded musicians.â
The Boat Gigs have quickly become a word-of-mouth sensation in Londonâs underground scene, with all eight previous events selling out. For artists, itâs a rare chance to simply show up, perform, and get paidâfree from the burden of extensive promotion. The relaxed, communal atmosphere fosters connections not only among artists but also with the audience, who are encouraged to engage with strangers in the spirit of community. With a BYOB policy, the gigs offer an alternative to overpriced bars and focus on what truly mattersâthe music.
Born and raised in South Cumbria, Claraâs connection to nature is evident in both her music and her philosophy. âThe moon and the tides are so relevant to our moods. Things come and go, nothing lasts foreverâyou just have to hop on the wave and enjoy the ride,â she says.
With âHot Moonâ, this artist continues to establish herself as a compelling voice in the indie trip-hop scene, while her Boat Gigs are fast becoming a staple for Londonâs emerging artists. As Clara Pople builds her network of boat gig alumni, sheâs proving that itâs possible to create spaces for creativity, connection, and community – one wave at a time.